Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026: Smart Aid Initiative Opens Applications for Young Women in Kaduna State ·the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026: Smart Aid Initiative Opens Applications for Young Women in Kaduna State

The Smart Aid Initiative is now accepting applications for the Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship 2026, a six-week hybrid leadership programme designed to empower young women with practical skills in digital democracy, online safety, digital advocacy, and combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

The fellowship will select 20 young women aged 18–30 from Kaduna State, Nigeria, providing them with expert-led training, mentorship, peer learning opportunities, and an intensive in-person bootcamp. Participants will also gain practical tools to become digital leaders and advocates within their communities.

Women living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, with the programme committed to providing reasonable accessibility accommodations during the physical bootcamp.

About the Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship

The Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship is an initiative aimed at strengthening the digital leadership capacity of young women by equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate today’s digital landscape safely and effectively.

As digital technologies continue to shape civic participation and public discourse, young women increasingly face online risks such as misinformation, harassment, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. This fellowship seeks to address these challenges by preparing participants to become informed digital citizens and advocates for safer, more inclusive online spaces.

Through a blend of virtual learning, mentorship, collaborative activities, and practical engagement, fellows will develop skills that enable them to promote digital rights and strengthen digital resilience within their communities.

Programme Structure

The fellowship will run over six weeks using a hybrid learning format.

Participants will engage in:

• Virtual learning sessions
• Expert-led training workshops
• One-on-one mentorship
• Peer learning and collaboration
• A two-day in-person bootcamp
• Community knowledge-sharing activities

The programme combines theoretical learning with practical application, ensuring fellows gain both knowledge and real-world experience.

Learning Areas

During the fellowship, participants will explore key topics including:

Digital Democracy

Fellows will learn how digital technologies influence civic participation, governance, citizen engagement, and democratic processes.

Online Safety

Participants will develop practical strategies for protecting themselves and others while navigating digital platforms safely.

Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)

The programme will examine the growing challenge of online gender-based violence and provide tools for prevention, response, and digital resilience.

Countering Misinformation

Fellows will gain skills to identify misinformation, verify information, and promote responsible digital communication.

Digital Advocacy

Participants will learn how to design and implement digital campaigns that raise awareness, engage communities, and promote positive social change.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to young women who meet the following criteria:

• Aged 18 to 30 years
• Resident in Kaduna State, Nigeria
• Interested in digital rights, online safety, civic engagement, or technology
• Motivated to apply new knowledge within their communities
• Willing to participate throughout the six-week programme

The organisers strongly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and invite applicants to indicate any accessibility requirements to ensure full participation during the physical bootcamp.

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a range of professional development opportunities, including:

• Certificate of Completion
• Access to experienced mentors
• Membership in a supportive peer network
• Practical digital learning resources
• Digital advocacy tools
• Participation in a two-day intensive bootcamp
• Opportunity to organise a virtual community step-down session

The fellowship also provides participants with an opportunity to build lasting professional connections while strengthening their leadership and advocacy skills.

Community Engagement Requirement

An important component of the fellowship is knowledge sharing.

Following the training programme, fellows will be expected to organise a virtual step-down session where they share what they have learned with other young women in their communities.

This approach helps extend the programme’s impact by reaching additional participants beyond the fellowship cohort.

Selection Process

Applicants will be assessed based on several factors, including:

• Eligibility
• Motivation
• Commitment to completing the programme
• Potential to apply newly acquired skills
• Willingness to share knowledge with others

Applicants are encouraged to complete the application carefully and provide accurate information throughout the application process.

Why You Should Apply

Digital literacy, online safety, and digital advocacy have become increasingly important skills for young leaders and changemakers.

The Women at the Front of Digital Space Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to build practical expertise while learning directly from experienced mentors and engaging with a network of like-minded young women.

Whether your interests lie in digital rights, civic engagement, technology, gender equality, or online safety, this fellowship provides valuable tools to strengthen your leadership and contribute to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

Young women from Kaduna State who are passionate about using technology for positive social impact are encouraged to submit their applications and take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

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